Simla (Head Quarters)
*Explicty mentioned in story as all of the men's headquarters.*
Historical/Social Context:Simla (now Shimla) in 1885–1900 was the summer capital of British India, a hill station that embodied both the glamour and contradictions of empire. From the mid-19th century, Simla became the administrative center during the hot season. The Viceroy and senior officials moved there each summer, making it the political heart of the empire in India. The town was filled with Victorian-style buildings, churches, and bungalows, perched in the Himalayan foothills. Its cooler climate made it a retreat from the oppressive heat of the plains. Indian communities lived in and around Simla, but were socially and racially segregated. The British occupied the ridge and central areas, while Indians were relegated to peripheral neighborhoods.
In the story:Just as in the story, Simla’s Indian population was largely invisible in colonial narratives, reinforcing the imperial perspective that foregrounded British experiences. Decisions affecting millions across India were made in Simla, yet the story highlights how individual officers in the field bore the burden of empire’s reach.